Ringrollers was established in 1972 and specializes in the manufacture of forged railway tyres for the Rolling Stock Industry, supplying 100% of Spoornet’s requirements. With its acquisition by Dorbyl Limited in 1992, Ringrollers adapted its focus to the expansion of its export markets and to the development of new products. Today, as part of the DCD-DORBYL Group, Ringrollers has created a niche market for itself and is internationally renowned as one of the best, forged railway tyre manufacturers, exporting more than 50% of manufactured products to 42 countries.

Market position

Being a national and internationally recognized brand name associated with quality, reliability and affordability, Ringrollers has earned respect across all borders. It is one of only two competitors in the local market and has captured the dominant share of the African market. It is well established in the international market as a preferred supplier.

Business Focus

Ringrollers specializes in the production of high quality flanges, forgings and forged railway products manufactured to a variety of specifications in carbon, alloy and stainless steel. It has expanded its mainstream forging activities to include the provision of heat treatment and machining facilities.

Business Culture

Ringrollers is focusing on a customer-driven approach, simultaneously implementing a continuous improvement productivity plan thus, ensuring exceptional customer service and superior quality products in order to maintain its competitive edge.

Fundamental to all its operations is the need for constant improvement, adaptation, creativity and innovation. An open-door policy encourages communication between all employees and promotes a culture of active involvement and individual input.

Ringrollers maintains strict control over a network of selected local distributors in the countries to which it exports. Distributors are assessed on a regular basis and an understanding of the culture of both the buyer and the supplier is essential. Formal warrantees and a 100% replacement policy on manufacturing default within specified specification is Ringrollers commitment to its customers worldwide.

Competitive Advantage

Ringrollers, under the DCD-DORBYL Group banner, is a market leader in its field and has achieved worldwide recognition.

Ringrollers has one of the most technologically advanced rolling mills in the world. Constant investment in equipment upgrades, backed by production expertise and experience, have made Ringrollers a trendsetter in the development of profile rolling technology.

Skills Development and Diversity

An approved budget has been allocated to the upliftment and ongoing training of all employees. Knowledge transfer and skills development programmes are intrinsic to Ringrollers globally preferred quality drive (GPQ) and initiative incentive plan throughout the organization. Ringrollers is fully compliant with government legislated labour practices and ensures a productive workforce environment through implementation of World Best Practices and an Employment Equity Plan.

Ringrollers has trained one of the first qualified black rolling mill operators in South Africa. As part of the ongoing transformation process and in order to encourage teamwork, Ringrollers is paying special attention to the training of black administrative and marketing staff. Furthermore, its “Phambili” project, (meaning “going forward”), offering comprehensive production process training, has been fundamental to the development of a skilled workforce.

Achievements and Accreditations

Ringrollers has been awarded a Gauteng Exporters Award for achievement and excellence.

New focus

Ringrollers is focusing extensively on its research and development capabilities and has adopted a customer requirement-based development approach. This requires a close working relationship between its marketing, research and development departments.

The research and development department together with the marketing department is responsible for the identification and development of new products for specific markets, an example of this is the current expansion of the light rail tyre export drive into the German market.

Furthermore, new products are being developed for new markets and Ringrollers is involved in the development of products for specialized off-road vehicles.

Alliances

Products